Wintersong

I was so excited for this book, like jumping up and down while squealing at my older brother about it kind-of excited.

I actually didn't know too much about it, all I heard was it was about a Goblin King- and my heart was sold.

I was in love with the movie The Labyrinth for a long time and would just dance around the house singing the songs (much to my dog's annoyance).
Just the words Goblin King immediately made me want to pick up the book and find out more.



However, it was very different from what I had expected.





Synopsis: Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.

All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.

But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.

Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.





 At first I had the problem of picturing the Goblin King as David Bowie from the Labyrinth movie, but that wasn't bad and easily overlooked. (Why would that be a problem?)


I liked the plot of the book, the story it was weaving- I just wished I could get more backstory from when Liesl was younger and playing with her *imaginary friend*.  I wanted a lot of that backstory as they kept just hinting at it.  
Which was particularily annoying. 

 I liked reading about the world, and goblins and trolls. I LOVED the Goblin King- as he actually ended up being one of the only reasons I enjoyed the rest of the book.

 I enjoyed the ideas the author had for the story, but the main character really irked me for some reason. Elizabeth was portrayed as very flawed in this book, and had almost no redeeming qualities in my opinion. Half the time I wanted to strangle her myself.

The book was very good, don't get me wrong- I liked the plot, the world, just not the protagonist. The ending did give an interesting edge to the story- should I continue or not? I will most probably read book two, but it may be awhile. 
  
WARNING: It did not have much detail I think, but you could easily figure out that they were doing more than just kissing in some scenes. Just to let you know.




My Rating:  🌟🌟 



Thanks for reading!!
~Books with Noel